MEDIA ADVISORY/PRESS RELEASE

Domestic Violence Suspect Dies After Fighting With Police

The Sacramento Police Department is investigating a domestic violence were the suspect died after struggling with police.

On January 5, 2011, at approximately 6:00 p.m., officers responded to a residence near Harding and American Avenue on a domestic violence call. The call indicated that a female had been punched by her boyfriend and that he was currently passed out in their home.

Officers arrived and met the victim outside. Officers were told that the victim and suspect had recently separated. Officer found that the victim had previously obtained a restraining order against the suspect. Tonight, the victim called the police after the suspect kicked in the door to the residence and immediately began to attack the victim punching her several times. At one point during the attack, the suspect passed out on the floor. The victim believed that the suspect may have been under the influence of narcotics. The victim was able to grab her 6-year-old son and run out of the house to call the police.

After speaking with the victim, officers went into the residence and contacted the suspect who appeared to be passed out and lying on the floor. The suspect suddenly woke and began fighting with officers. While the officers were struggling with the suspect they realized he had stopped breathing and immediately began CPR. The Sacramento Fire Department responded and transported the suspect to a local hospital where the he later died. The suspect is identified as a male Black, 48-years-old, 5'9, and 230 lbs. At this time it is unknown what caused the suspect's death. No lethal or less than lethal weapons were utilized by law enforcement personnel during the struggle.

The Sacramento Police Department's Homicide, Internal Affairs, Professional Standards, and Crime Scene Investigations Units are working on this investigation in conjunction with the City's Office of Public Safety Accountability and the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office.